Blog
September 30, 2024
Want to know just how long concrete lasts?
In this article, we’ll discuss how long concrete lasts, when you need concrete scanning and how Alpha Concrete Cutting can help.
Generally speaking, concrete can last anywhere between 50 to 100 years. While that may seem like a really long time (and it is), it doesn’t necessarily mean it will last forever.
So what factors influence how long concrete will last? In this section, we’ll break it down in more detail.
Of course, ensuring the foundation is up to scratch and that it’s been installed correctly goes a long way to increasing its lifespan.
If your concrete installation team is using an inferior product, the wrong equipment or simply rushing the process it may not last as long as you want it to.
When it comes to installation, you should also keep in mind the quality of your subbase and how long the concrete has been left to cure.
Where it’s installed and the type of concrete used is a major player in how long it will last. Some say that the average footpath and driveway can last anywhere between 20 to 40 years, but stamped concrete doesn’t have a very long lifespan at all.
Concrete used for interior flooring, on the other hand, may last for 100s of years when maintained correctly. The same may also be true of commercial grade concrete.
Speaking of maintenance, you need to ensure you are capable of providing your concrete with the care it needs if you want it to last. There’s no point building a brand new car park, for example, if you don’t have someone to clean and seal the concrete on a semi-regular basis.
Lack of maintenance can lead to reduction in structural integrity, leaks, cracks and other issues which could spell trouble in the future.
If you don’t maintain your concrete correctly, it’s likely you will need repairs. While concrete is indeed durable, once it has been repaired, it loses some of its strength. And the more you repair the concrete, the weaker it will become, which obviously affects how long it will last.
Most concrete is fairly durable and can withstand a range of conditions. However, too much rain or sun exposure may, over time, damage your concrete (which again is when you might need our concrete cutting services) and in turn will reduce its lifespan.
Let’s take a moment to discuss the use of concrete driveways and how traffic (or heavy vehicles) can influence the lifespan of your concrete. You might find, for instance, that your domestic driveway was structurally sound when smaller cars use it, but cannot withstand heavy machinery or trucks used in commercial settings.
Did you do your research before the concrete was laid to ensure drainage wasn’t an issue? Maybe you should have checked the foundations to be certain you weren’t going to hit an electrical line. Perhaps there is waterproofing work that should have been completed to maintain structural integrity.
All of this could have been identified with concrete scanning and other techniques we use at Alpha Concrete Cutting, and perhaps extended the lifespan of your concrete.
Concrete scanning is useful because it can help identify any issues with your existing concrete and structural foundations before construction or renovations begin. This will go a long way to increasing the lifespan of your concrete, especially if you intend to install new concrete as part of your work.
Working on a construction project and want to be sure your concrete foundations are secure? Talk to us.
At Alpha Concrete Cutting, we’re the experts when it comes to your concrete scanning requirements. As a full service business, our team members specialise in wall sawing, concrete cutting, hand sawing, soff and expansion cuts and more.
To find out more about our expertise in a range of concrete cutting services, contact the team at Alpha Concrete Cutting today.
PO Box 192, Virginia, BC 4014
